A sensitive remodel and addition to a pair of historic worker’s cottages in the Dogpatch, San Francisco’s most important remaining district of industrial workers’ housing. 

120 years and countless alterations obscured that history, and the owners were keen to revitalize the home and adapt it for contemporary use.

An addition to the rear of the primary residence allowed us to open up the interiors by relocating the staircase to a glass hyphen connecting the historic house and the modern addition. Suspended exterior wood louvers on the addition allowed larger windows to preserve privacy and maximize light.

The new stair acts as a transparent bridge for the home, connecting the revitalized Classical Revival parlor and sitting room with the understated kitchen and dining area, preserving the traditional sequence of spaces yet adding light and openness throughout.

An intimate ground floor study engages directly with the rear yard, a jewel box courtyard that connects back to the lightly remodeled rental cottage at the rear of the property.

A bright guest suite in the addition opens up to the rear yard and rental cottage, and features a playful corner skylight in the en suite.